Cleaning solution container

ABSTRACT

A container is disclosed that is configured to selectively allow attachment to the handle of a cleaning implement, where the container includes a an exterior surface configured to selectively allow attachment to the handle of a cleaning implement, an interior surface, an interior cavity defined by the shape of the interior surface, where the exterior surface defines an opening that allows access to the interior cavity and the container also includes a removable cover for the opening. In addition, a cleaning implement is disclosed that includes a removable container with the features described above, an elongated handle with a top end, a bottom end and an intermediate section along a longitudinal axis and a cleaning element secured to the bottom end of the handle. Moreover, a method of making a container for a cleaning solution is disclosed that includes forming a container, adding an attachment means to allow selective attachment of the container to a cleaning implement and adding a cleaning solution or a cleaning chemical to the interior cavity of the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/608,898, entitled “Cleaning Solution Container,”filed on Mar. 9, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to cleaning implements. In particular, thisinvention relates to a container for a cleaning solution thatselectively attaches to a cleaning implement, a cleaning implement withsuch a container, and the method of making such a container.

BACKGROUND

The use of mops and similar devices as cleaning implements for floorsand other surfaces is widely known. Often, a mop or similar device isimmersed in a container of water before being swept across a portion ofthe floor or surface so that the mop can remove the various soils moreefficiently. To further enhance cleaning or to provide a desirable lookor scent after cleaning, a cleaning chemical or cleaning solution may beadded to the water. A user may add the cleaning solution when initiallyfilling the container of water or when replacing water that has becomedirty from the various soils removed from the floor or surface. A usermay also desire to add additional solution to the water while cleaningis in progress. The appropriate cleaning solutions, however, are oftenstored in a different location than the mop and container, especially inhouseholds, or in a different location than where the container caneasily be filled with water. Moreover, cleaning solutions are often keptin large, cumbersome containers that a user cannot easily carry aroundwith them while mopping, meaning additional cleaning solution is notreadily accessible. Therefore, a user desiring to mop with a cleaningsolution is often forced to take time-consuming detours.

To alleviate these inefficiencies, it may be desirable to utilize acleaning implement that has a readily available source of cleaningsolution. Specifically, it would be desirable to utilize a removablecontainer containing a cleaning chemical or cleaning solution that canattach to the mop or cleaning implement.

It is an object of the invention to provide cleaning implements orcontainers that, amongst other features and advantages, address theseobjectives. It is an object of certain embodiments of the invention toprovide a container configured to selectively attach to the handle of acleaning implement. It is an object of certain other embodiments of theinvention to provide a cleaning implement with a removable container. Itis an object of still other embodiments of the invention to provide amethod for making a removable container for a cleaning solution. Theseand other objects, features and advantages of the invention or ofcertain embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilledin the art from the following disclosure and description of exemplaryembodiments.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a removable containerconfigured to selectively allow attachment to a handle of a cleaningimplement is provided that includes an exterior surface, an interiorsurface, an interior cavity defined by the shape of the interiorsurface, wherein the exterior surface defines an opening that allowsaccess to the interior cavity and the container further comprises aremovable cover for the opening. In certain exemplary embodiments, theinterior cavity of the container contains a cleaning solution or acleaning chemical.

In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the exterior surface ofthe container comprises a first lip and a second lip, and a portion ofthe exterior surface between the first lip and second lip is shaped todefine a recess relative to at least one other portion of the exteriorsurface, wherein the recess is sized to receive at least a portion ofthe intermediate section of the handle of a cleaning implement.

In still other embodiments the exterior surface of the containercomprises a first lip and a second lip, and a portion of the exteriorsurface between the first and second lip is shaped to define a holerelative to at least one other portion of the exterior surface, whereinthe hole is sized to receive the top end of the handle of a cleaningimplement.

In certain embodiments, the container further comprises an attachmentmeans that selectively allows removal and attachment of the removablecontainer to the handle. In some of these embodiments, the attachmentmeans comprises at least one deformable tab and at least onecorresponding recess, while in others it comprises at least twoprotrusions or tabs configured to interface with at each other to createa positive interlock. In still other embodiments, the attachment meanscomprises at least one protrusion sized to enter a corresponding cavity.In certain other embodiments, the attachment means comprises a recess inthe exterior surface of the removable container sized to receive atleast a portion of the intermediate section of the handle of a cleaningimplement. In yet others the attachment means comprises a hole in theexterior surface of the removable container sized to receive the top endof the handle of a cleaning implement. In other embodiments, theattachment means comprises corresponding threads, snap fasteners, hooks,or hook and loop fasteners. In some other exemplary embodiments of theinvention, the container is configured to selectively attach to thehandle of a wet mop, a roller mop, a flat mop, a spray mop, a steam mopor a sponge mop.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the container is made from arigid material with elastic or deformable properties. In some of theseembodiments the container is made from plastic.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cleaning implementis provided that includes an elongated handle comprising a top end, abottom end and an intermediate section along a longitudinal axis, acleaning element secured to the bottom end of the handle, and aremovable container configured to selectively attach to the handle ofthe cleaning implement, the removable container comprising an exteriorsurface, an interior surface, and an interior cavity defined by theshape of the interior surface, wherein the exterior surface defines anopening that allows access to the interior cavity, and wherein theremovable container further comprises a removable cover for the opening.In certain embodiments of this aspect of the invention the interiorcavity of the removable container contains a cleaning solution or acleaning chemical.

In some exemplary embodiments, the exterior surface of the removablecontainer of the cleaning implement further comprises a first lip and asecond lip, and a portion of the exterior surface between the first lipand second lip is shaped to define a recess relative to at least oneother portion of the exterior surface, wherein the recess is sized toreceive at least a portion of the intermediate section of the handle ofthe cleaning implement. In yet other embodiments, the exterior surfaceof the removable container further comprises a first lip and a secondlip, and a portion of the exterior surface between the first and secondlip is shaped to define a hole relative to at least one other portion ofthe exterior surface, wherein the hole is sized to receive the top endof the handle of the cleaning implement.

In additional exemplary embodiments of this aspect of the invention, thecleaning implement further comprises an attachment means thatselectively allows removal and attachment of the removable container tothe handle. In some of these embodiments, the attachment means comprisesat least one deformable tab and at least one corresponding recess, whilein others it comprises at least two protrusions or tabs configured tointerface with at each other to create a positive interlock. In stillother embodiments, the attachment means comprises at least oneprotrusion sized to enter a corresponding cavity. In certain otherembodiments, the attachment means comprises a recess in the exteriorsurface of the removable container sized to receive at least a portionof the intermediate section of the handle of a cleaning implement. Inyet others the attachment means comprises a hole in the exterior surfaceof the removable container sized to receive the top end of the elongatedhandle of the cleaning implement. In other embodiments, the attachmentmeans comprises corresponding threads, snap fasteners, hooks, or hookand loop fasteners. In some other exemplary embodiments of theinvention, the cleaning element is element a wet mop, a roller mop, aflat mop, a spray mop, a steam mop or a sponge mop. In certain otherembodiments of this aspect, the removable container is made fromplastic.

Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of making a removablecontainer for a cleaning solution that includes forming a removablecontainer comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, aninterior cavity defined by the shape of the interior surface, an openingin the exterior surface that allows access to the interior cavity and aremovable cover for the opening, adding an attachment means to allowselective attachment of the removable container to a cleaning implement,and adding a cleaning solution or a cleaning chemical to the interiorcavity of the removable container.

In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect of the invention, theattachment means are added by shaping the exterior surface of theremovable container to form a first lip and a second lip, and a portionof the exterior surface between the first lip and second lip is shapedto define a recess or hole relative to at least one other portion of theexterior surface, wherein the recess is sized to receive at least aportion of an intermediate section of a handle of the cleaning implementor a top end of the handle of the cleaning implement. In certain otherembodiments of the method, the removable container is made from plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way ofexample only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thecleaning implement with the removable container attached.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thecontainer.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 fromanother angle.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the same exemplary embodiment as inFIG. 2 with the removable cover removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments, apparatuses and methods described herein provide acontainer for a cleaning solution, a cleaning implement with a removablecontainer or a method of making such a container. These and otheraspects, features and advantages of the invention or of certainembodiments of the invention will be further understood by those skilledin the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning implement with theremovable container. In this embodiment, the cleaning implement 10comprises an elongated handle 11 with a top end 12, a bottom end 13 andan intermediate section 14 along a longitudinal axis. In someembodiments, the handle 11 has a rounded or circular exterior and isprimarily cylindrical in shape, while in others it has an angular,facial or elliptically shaped exterior surface. In some embodiments thehandle is made of plastic, metal, wood, steel or aluminum. In certainembodiments the handle is hollow, while in others it is solid. Thehandle may be adjustable in length or may have a fixed length. Incertain embodiments, the fixed length of the handle will be anywherebetween about two and a half feet to about six feet. In certain otherembodiments the length may be adjustable inside this same range. In yetother embodiments the handle comprises a wringer.

In FIG. 1, a cleaning element 15 is secured to the bottom end 13 of thehandle 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning element 15 is aflat mop. In other embodiments the cleaning element is a wet mop, aroller mop, a spray mop, a sponge mop, or a steam mop. In certainembodiments the cleaning element comprises a microfiber cleaning pad, amelamine sponge, cotton yarn, or a scrubber.

The exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1 includes a removable container 20that is configured to selectively attach to the handle 11 of thecleaning implement 10. In this embodiment, the removable container 20has an exterior surface 16, an interior surface and an interior cavitydefined by the shape of the interior surface. In this embodiment, theexterior surface defines an opening that allows access to the interiorcavity and a removable cover 17 for the opening. In certain embodiments,the interior cavity of the removable container is partially or entirelyfilled with a cleaning chemical or a cleaning solution. In someembodiments, the removable container is made from a rigid material withelastic or deformable properties. In certain of these embodiments, theremovable container is made of plastic or metal. In some of theseembodiments, it is made from polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene,high-density polyethylene, poly-propylene or polystyrene. The removablecontainer can have a wide range of shapes and sizes. In someembodiments, it is primarily cylindrical, circular, rectangular,triangular or square in shape. In yet other embodiments, it has a totalvolume between about one and about twenty five fluid ounces. Preferably,however, the removable container has a total volume between about threeand about five fluid ounces. In some embodiments it has a volume ofabout four fluid ounces.

In FIG. 1, the removable container comprises a first lip 18 and a secondlip 19, and a portion of the exterior surface 16 is shaped to define arecess between the first lip and second lip. In this embodiment, therecess is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the intermediatesection 14 of the handle 11. In other embodiments the recess is shapedand sized to receive the top end of the handle. In certain embodiments,the recess selectively attaches to the handle using solely a frictionfit. In some embodiments, the recess and handle include or are made ofmaterials which result in a high coefficient of friction when in contactwith each other in order to strengthen the friction fit. In certain ofthese embodiments, these materials are rubber, plastic, metal or acombination thereof.

In other embodiments, the first lip and the second lip wrap around aportion of the handle to further engage with and retain the handle. Incertain of these embodiments, the recess is shaped and sized to have asmaller opening than the diameter of a circularly shaped handle or thewidth of a differently shaped handle, but the recess has sufficient sizeto entirely contain the handle once the handle is inside the recess. Incertain of these embodiments, the material of the removable containerdeforms slightly when the handle is pressed against the first lip andthe second lip to allow the handle to be inserted into the recess beforereverting back to its original shape such that the first lip and thesecond lip wrap around the handle and help retain it inside the recess.When the handle is pulled away from the recess, the material of theremovable container deforms slightly so that the handle can be pulledout of the recess between the first lip and the second lip beforereverting back to its original shape after the handle is removed. Insome embodiments, the recess is shaped and sized to contact about 180degrees of the circular surface of a handle with a circular shape. Inothers, the recess contacts between about 180 and about 330 degrees ofthe handle's surface. In others the recess contacts about 270 degrees ofthe circular surface of a handle with a circular shape. In still othersthe recess contacts between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees ofthe circular surface, where in certain of these embodiments theremovable container and handle have additional features to assist inselectively attaching the removable container.

In certain other exemplary embodiments, a portion of the exteriorsurface between the first lip and the second lip is shaped to define ahole relative to at least one other portion of the exterior surface,wherein the hole is sized to receive the top end of the elongatedhandle. In some embodiments, the hole goes through the entire containerand some or all of the top end of the handle enters into the hole. Thetop end may become wedged inside the hole using solely a friction fit.Either the hole or the top end of the handle, or both, may include orare made of materials that result in a high coefficient of friction whenin contact with each other in order to strengthen the friction fit. Incertain of these embodiments, these materials are rubber, plastic, metalor a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the hole is tapered suchthat the top end will become wedged inside the hole. In otherembodiments, the top end may pass entirely through the hole and theremovable container can be attached to the intermediate section. Incertain other embodiments, the top end or the intermediate section has aridge, tab, tongue or raised area that meets the exterior surface of thecontainer, the lip or lips of the exterior surface or the inner sides ofthe hole. In these embodiments, the ridge, tab, tongue or raised areamay lock the removable container in place, prevent it from movingfurther down the handle along the longitudinal axis, or both.

In some embodiments, the ridge, tab, tongue or raised area is made ofthe same material as the handle, while in others it is made of adifferent material, including but not limited to a material thatprovides a high coefficient of friction when in contact with thematerial of the handle. In certain of these embodiments, the materialsof the handle and the ridge, tab, tongue or raised area are rubber,plastic, metal, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the handle and container each comprise one ormore magnets. In these embodiments, the handle and container are shapedsuch that the magnetic attraction between the handle and container iseasily achieved. In these embodiments, the areas of the handle andcontainer having the magnets may be curved, planar, or any other shapeas long as these portions of the handle and container correspond to eachother to allow proximity of the magnets when desired. In someembodiments, a portion of the handle is colored in a contrasting manneror otherwise indicates the area containing the magnet to allow the userto easily reattach the container. In certain embodiments, the magnet inthe cleaning solution container is contained in cavity in the exteriorsurface of the container. In others, it is contained on an exterior faceof the container.

In certain other embodiments, the cleaning implement further comprisesan attachment means that selectively allows removal and attachment ofthe removable container to the handle. In some exemplary embodiments,the attachment means comprises at least one deformable tab on theexterior surface of removable container and at least one correspondingrecess in the intermediate section or top end of the handle of thecleaning implement configured to interface with the at least onedeformable tab. In certain of these embodiments, a recess extends aroundthe entire exterior or circumference of the handle. In others the atleast one recess only covers a portion or multiple portions of thehandle. In certain embodiments the at least one deformable tab is madeof plastic or metal. In yet other exemplary embodiments the attachmentmeans comprises at least one deformable tab on the intermediate sectionor top end of the handle of the cleaning implement and at least onecorresponding recess in the exterior surface of removable containerconfigured to interface with the at least one deformable tab.

In yet other embodiments the attachment means comprises at least twoopposing protrusions or tabs, wherein at least one protrusion or tab islocated on the exterior surface of the removable container and at leastone protrusion or tab is located on intermediate section or top end ofthe handle of the cleaning implement, and wherein the at least twoopposing protrusions or tabs are configured to interface with each otherand create a positive interlock. In some embodiments, the cavity willhave an enlarged portion where the tip of the corresponding protrusionor tab will reside when the two opposing protrusions or tabs areinterlocked, and the protrusion or tab will have a size and shape toenter this enlarged portion of the cavity to form the positiveinterlock. In certain embodiments, the protrusion or tabs will beslightly deformable, such that when a user pulls on the container thepositive interlock can be selectively broken. In some embodiments, theprotrusion or tab will create a cavity between itself and the surface ofthe container or handle, where the cavity has a similar size and shapeto the protrusion or tab so that it will accept a similarly sized andshaped protrusion or tab to form the positive interlock.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises atleast one protrusion from the exterior surface of the removablecontainer sized to enter a corresponding cavity in the intermediatesection or top end of the handle of the cleaning implement. In othersthe attachment means comprises at least one protrusion from theintermediate section or top end of the handle of the cleaning implementsized to enter a corresponding cavity in the exterior surface of theremovable container. These protrusions and corresponding cavities mayhave a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments they arecylindrical or rectangular in shape or are “hook shaped.”

In certain other exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises arecess in the exterior surface of the removable container sized toreceive at least a portion of the intermediate section of the handle. Incertain others it comprises a hole in the exterior surface of theremovable container sized to receive the top end of the elongatedhandle.

In yet other exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprisescorresponding threads located on the removable container and the top ofthe handle. In some embodiments, the threads are located inside a cavityin the removable container and on a corresponding protrusion on thehandle or on the top end of the handle. In yet others the threads may belocated on a protrusion from the removable container and in acorresponding cavity in the handle. In yet other embodiments theattachment means comprises corresponding snap fasteners located on theremovable container and the handle. In certain others the attachmentmeans comprises corresponding hooks located on the removable containerand the handle. In still others the attachment means comprises hook andloop fasteners located on the removable container and the handle.

These descriptions of the cleaning implement are merely exemplary. Incertain embodiments, the cleaning implement comprises additionalcombinations or substitutions of some or all of the components describedabove. Moreover, additional and alternative suitable variations, formsand components for the cleaning implement will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

Other aspects of the invention relate to a container for a cleaningchemical or cleaning solution that is configured to selectively allowattachment to a handle of a cleaning implement. The container may haveany number of the features described above for the removable containerof the cleaning implement, or any combination thereof. FIG. 2 shows anexemplary embodiment of a container configured to selectively allowattachment to a handle of a cleaning implement. In this exemplaryembodiment, the container 20 comprises an exterior surface 16, aninterior surface, an interior cavity defined by the shape of theinterior surface, wherein the exterior surface 16 defines an openingthat allows access to the interior cavity, and the container furthercomprises a removable cover 17 for the opening, and wherein thecontainer is configured to selectively allow attachment of the exteriorsurface to a handle of a cleaning implement. This attachment may bedirect or indirect. In certain embodiments, the interior cavity of thecontainer contains a cleaning chemical or a cleaning solution. In yetother embodiments, the container is configured to attach to the handleof a wet mop, a roller mop, a flat mop, a spray mop, a steam mop or asponge mop.

In FIG. 2, the exterior surface 16 of the container further comprises afirst lip 18 and a second lip 19, and a portion of the exterior surfacebetween the first lip 18 and the second lip 19 is shaped to define arecess 21 relative to other portions of the exterior surface 22. In thisexemplary embodiment, the container 20 is configured to selectivelyallow attachment to the handle of a cleaning implement by having arecess 21 that is sized to receive at least a portion of an intermediatesection of the handle of a cleaning implement. In certain otherembodiments, the first lip, the second lip and a portion of the exteriorsurface between the first lip and the second lip is shaped to define ahole relative to at least one other portion of the exterior surface,wherein the hole is sized to receive a top end of the handle.

In certain embodiments of the container, the container further comprisesan attachment means that selectively allows removal and attachment ofthe container to the handle of a cleaning implement. In certainembodiments the attachment means comprises at least one deformable tabon the exterior surface of removable container configured to interfacewith at least one corresponding recess in the intermediate section ortop end of the handle of a cleaning implement. In others the attachmentmeans comprises at least one recess in the exterior surface of removablecontainer configured to interface with at least one correspondingdeformable tab on the intermediate section or top end of the handle of acleaning implement.

In other exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises at leastone protrusion or tab, wherein the at least one protrusion or tab islocated on the exterior surface of the removable container and isconfigured to interface with at least one protrusion or tab located onintermediate section or top end of the handle of a cleaning implement tocreate a positive interlock.

In still other embodiments the attachment means comprises at least oneprotrusion from the exterior surface of the removable container sized toenter a corresponding cavity in the intermediate section or top end ofthe handle of a cleaning implement. In certain other exemplaryembodiments, the attachment means comprises at least one cavity in theexterior surface of the removable container sized to receive at leastone corresponding protrusion from the intermediate section or top end ofthe handle of a cleaning implement.

In some embodiments, the attachment means comprises a recess in theexterior surface of the removable container sized to receive at least aportion of the intermediate section of the handle of a cleaningimplement. In others the attachment means comprises a hole in theexterior surface of the removable container sized to receive the top endof an elongated handle of a cleaning implement.

In other exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises threadslocated on a protrusion or in a recess of the removable container,wherein the threads are sized to correspond with threads on the top ofthe handle of a cleaning implement or threads in a cavity located on theintermediate section or top end of the handle. In certain otherexemplary embodiments the attachment means comprises at least one snapfastener located on the removable container sized to correspond with atleast one snap fastener on the handle of a cleaning implement.

In still other embodiments, the attachment means comprises at least onehook located on the removable container sized to correspond with atleast one hook on the handle of a cleaning implement. In others theattachment means comprises hook fasteners located on the removablecontainer designed to correspond with loop fasteners on the handle of acleaning implement. In certain other embodiments the attachment meanscomprises loop fasteners located on the removable container designed tocorrespond with hook fasteners on the handle of a cleaning implement.

FIG. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment of the container from FIG. 2 froma different, namely side, angle. As shown more clearly from this angle,in this exemplary embodiment the first lip 18, the second lip 19 and theportion of the exterior surface between the first lip 18 and the secondlip 19 define a recess 21 relative to other portions of the exteriorsurface 22 that is substantially circular or cylindrical in shape. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the recess 21 is sized and shaped to receiveat least a portion of an intermediate section or top end of acylindrical or circularly shaped handle of a cleaning implement.

In this embodiment, the first lip 18 and the second lip 19 wrap around aportion of the handle to further engage with and retain the handlebecause the recess 21 is shaped and sized to have a smaller opening thanthe diameter of a circularly shaped handle. In this embodiment, however,the recess 21 has sufficient size to entirely contain the handle oncethe handle is inside the recess. When the handle is pressed against thefirst lip and second lip in this embodiment, the material of thecontainer deforms slightly to push the first lip and second lip awayfrom each other, allowing the handle to be inserted into the recessbefore reverting back to its original shape such that the first lip andsecond lip wrap slightly around the handle and help retain it inside therecess. In this embodiment, the recess and lips contact about 270degrees of the circular surface of a handle when it is inside therecess.

FIG. 4 shows the same shows the exemplary embodiment of the containerfrom FIG. 2 with the removable cover removed. In this view of theembodiment, the interior surface 23 of the container is visible, wherethe shape of the interior surface 23 defines the shape and size of theinterior cavity. In this view of the embodiment, the area of theexterior surface 16 that defines an opening 24 that allows access to theinterior cavity is visible. In this exemplary embodiment, the exteriorsurface 16 and the opening 24 form a spout 25 to assist the user pourout of the contents of the interior cavity and the exterior surface ofthe spout 25 comprises threads 26 that correspond to threads on theremovable cover to selectively secure the removable cover. In otherembodiments, the opening will be a hole in a flat or non-raised portionof the exterior surface 16. In some embodiments, the removable cover isa cap or plug. In yet other embodiments, the removable cover is madefrom plastic, metal, rubber or other suitable material.

These container descriptions are merely exemplary. In certainembodiments, the container comprises additional combinations orsubstitutions of some or all of the components described above.Additional and alternative suitable variations, forms and components forthe container will be recognized by those skilled in the art given thebenefit of this disclosure. Moreover, any of the features discussed inthe exemplary embodiments of the container may be features ofembodiments of the removable container for the cleaning implementdescribed above, and vice versa.

Other aspects of the invention relate to a method for making a containerfor a cleaning solution including forming a container comprising anexterior surface, an interior surface, an interior cavity defined by theshape of the interior surface, an opening in the exterior surface thatallows access to the interior cavity and a removable cover for theopening, adding an attachment means to allow selective attachment of thecontainer to a cleaning implement, and adding a cleaning solution or acleaning chemical to the interior cavity of the removable container. Insome embodiments of the method, the container is made of plastic. Instill other embodiments, the container is made by a conventional moldingprocess, for example by an injection molding process, an extrusion blowmolding process, a coextrusion blow molding process, a coinjectionmolding process, a coinjection blow molding process, and/or acoinjection stretch blow molding process.

In certain embodiments of the method, an attachment means is added tothe cleaning implement by shaping the exterior surface of the removablecontainer to form a first lip and a second lip, and a portion of theexterior surface between the first lip and second lip is shaped todefine a recess or hole relative to at least one other portion of theexterior surface, wherein the recess is sized to receive at least aportion of an intermediate section of a handle of the cleaning implementor a top end of the handle of the cleaning implement. In still otherembodiments, the method will include steps to add any of the featuresdiscussed for the container or removable container described above.

These method descriptions are merely exemplary. In certain embodiments,the method may include additional combinations or substitutions of someor all of the steps described above. Moreover, additional andalternative suitable variations, forms and components for the methodwill be recognized by those skilled in the art given the benefit of thisdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container configured to selectively allowattachment to a handle of a cleaning implement comprising: an exteriorsurface; an interior surface; an interior cavity defined by the shape ofthe interior surface; wherein the exterior surface defines an openingthat allows access to the interior cavity; wherein the container furthercomprises a removable cover for the opening; and wherein the containeris configured to selectively allow attachment of the exterior surface toa handle of a cleaning implement.
 2. The container of claim 1, whereinthe interior cavity of the container contains a cleaning solution or acleaning chemical.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the exteriorsurface of the container further comprises a first lip and a second lip,and a portion of the exterior surface between the first lip and secondlip is shaped to define a recess relative to at least one other portionof the exterior surface, wherein the recess is sized to receive at leasta portion of an intermediate section of the handle of a cleaningimplement.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface ofthe container further comprises a first lip and a second lip, and aportion of the exterior surface between the first and second lip isshaped to define a hole relative to at least one other portion of theexterior surface, wherein the hole is sized to receive a top end of thehandle of a cleaning implement.
 5. The container of claim 1, furthercomprising an attachment means that selectively allows removal andattachment of the container to the handle of a cleaning implement. 6.The container of claim 5, wherein the attachment means is selected fromthe group consisting of: an attachment means comprising at least onedeformable tab on the exterior surface of the container configured tointerface with at least one corresponding recess in an intermediatesection or a top end of the handle of a cleaning implement; anattachment means comprising at least one recess in the exterior surfaceof the container configured to interface with at least one correspondingdeformable tab on an intermediate section or a top end of the handle ofa cleaning implement; an attachment means comprising at least oneprotrusion or tab, wherein the at least one protrusion or tab is locatedon the exterior surface of the container and is configured to interfacewith at least one protrusion or tab located on an intermediate sectionor a top end of the handle of a cleaning implement to create a positiveinterlock; an attachment means comprising at least one protrusion fromthe exterior surface of the container sized to enter a correspondingcavity in an intermediate section or a top end of the handle of acleaning implement; an attachment means comprising at least one cavityin the exterior surface of the container sized to receive at least onecorresponding protrusion from an intermediate section or a top end ofthe handle of a cleaning implement; an attachment means comprising arecess in the exterior surface of the container sized to receive atleast a portion of an intermediate section of the handle of a cleaningimplement; an attachment means comprising a hole in the exterior surfaceof the container sized to receive a top end of an elongated handle of acleaning implement; an attachment means comprising threads located on aprotrusion or in a recess of the container, wherein the threads aresized to correspond with threads on a top of the handle of a cleaningimplement or threads in a cavity located on an intermediate section or atop end of the handle; an attachment means comprising at least one snapfastener located on the container sized to correspond with at least onesnap fastener on the handle of a cleaning implement; an attachment meanscomprising at least one hook located on the container sized tocorrespond with at least one hook on the handle of a cleaning implement;an attachment means comprising hook fasteners located on the containerdesigned to correspond with loop fasteners on the handle of a cleaningimplement; or an attachment means comprising loop fasteners located onthe container designed to correspond with hook fasteners on the handleof a cleaning implement
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein thecontainer is configured to selectively attach to the handle of acleaning implement, and wherein the cleaning element is selected fromthe group consisting of a wet mop, a roller mop, a flat mop, a spraymop, a steam mop or a sponge mop.
 8. The container of claim 1, whereinthe container is made from a rigid material with elastic or deformableproperties.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the container is madefrom plastic.
 10. A cleaning implement comprising: an elongated handlecomprising a top end, a bottom end and an intermediate section along alongitudinal axis; a cleaning element secured to the bottom end of thehandle; and a removable container configured to selectively attach tothe handle of the cleaning implement, the removable container comprisingan exterior surface, an interior surface, and an interior cavity definedby the shape of the interior surface, wherein the exterior surfacedefines an opening that allows access to the interior cavity, andwherein the removable container further comprises a removable cover forthe opening.
 11. The cleaning implement of claim 10, wherein theinterior cavity of the removable container contains a cleaning solutionor a cleaning chemical.
 12. The cleaning implement of claim 10, whereinthe exterior surface of the removable container further comprises afirst lip and a second lip, and a portion of the exterior surfacebetween the first lip and second lip is shaped to define a recessrelative to at least one other portion of the exterior surface, whereinthe recess is sized to receive at least a portion of the intermediatesection of the handle.
 13. The cleaning implement of claim 10, whereinthe exterior surface of the removable container further comprises afirst lip and a second lip, and a portion of the exterior surfacebetween the first lip and the second lip is shaped to define a holerelative to at least one other portion of the exterior surface, whereinthe hole is sized to receive the top end of the elongated handle. 14.The cleaning implement of claim 10, further comprising an attachmentmeans that selectively allows removal and attachment of the removablecontainer to the handle.
 15. The cleaning implement of claim 14, whereinthe attachment means is selected from the group consisting of: anattachment means comprising at least one deformable tab on the exteriorsurface of the removable container and at least one corresponding recessin the intermediate section or the top end of the handle of the cleaningimplement configured to interface with the at least one deformable tab;an attachment means comprising at least one deformable tab on theintermediate section or the top end of the handle of the cleaningimplement and at least one corresponding recess in the exterior surfaceof the removable container configured to interface with the at least onedeformable tab; an attachment means comprising at least two opposingprotrusions or tabs, wherein at least one protrusion or tab is locatedon the exterior surface of the removable container and at least oneprotrusion or tab is located on the intermediate section or the top endof the handle of the cleaning implement, and wherein the at least twoopposing protrusions or tabs are configured to interface with each otherand create a positive interlock; an attachment means comprising at leastone protrusion from the exterior surface of the removable containersized to enter a corresponding cavity in the intermediate section or thetop end of the handle of the cleaning implement; an attachment meanscomprising at least one protrusion from the intermediate section or thetop end of the handle of the cleaning implement sized to enter acorresponding cavity in the exterior surface of the removable container;an attachment means comprising a recess in the exterior surface of theremovable container sized to receive at least a portion of theintermediate section of the handle; an attachment means comprising ahole in the exterior surface of the removable container sized to receivethe top end of the elongated handle; an attachment means comprisingcorresponding threads located on the removable container and the top ofthe handle; an attachment means comprising corresponding snap fastenerslocated on the removable container and the handle; an attachment meanscomprising corresponding hooks located on the removable container andthe handle; or an attachment means comprising hook and loop fastenerslocated on the removable container and the handle.
 16. The cleaningimplement of claim 10, wherein the cleaning element is selected from thegroup consisting of a wet mop, a roller mop, a flat mop, a spray mop, asteam mop or a sponge mop.
 17. The cleaning implement of claim 10,wherein the removable container is made from plastic.
 18. A method ofmaking a container for a cleaning solution comprising: forming acontainer comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, aninterior cavity defined by the shape of the interior surface, an openingin the exterior surface that allows access to the interior cavity and aremovable cover for the opening; adding an attachment means to allowselective attachment of the container to a handle of a cleaningimplement; and adding a cleaning solution or a cleaning chemical to theinterior cavity of the container.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinthe attachment means are added by shaping the exterior surface of thecontainer to form a first lip and a second lip, and a portion of theexterior surface between the first lip and second lip is shaped todefine a recess or hole relative to at least one other portion of theexterior surface, wherein the recess is sized to receive at least aportion of an intermediate section of a handle of the cleaning implementor a top end of the handle of the cleaning implement.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the container is made from plastic.